Geneva: High-Stakes Peace Talks Confront Deep Divisions

Ukraine and Russia are set to engage in U.S.-led peace talks in Geneva, focusing on territorial disputes. Despite efforts for reconciliation, Russia demands concessions on Ukrainian lands, and tensions over who controls nuclear plants persist. Low expectations shadow the talks after past meetings failed.

This week, representatives from Ukraine and Russia converge in Geneva for a new round of peace talks mediated by the U.S., with discussions likely zeroing in on contested land territories.

With U.S. President Donald Trump's push, there's hope for an agreement to end Europe's largest conflict since World War II. However, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy faces intense pressure as Russia demands significant territorial concessions in the Donetsk region, things Kyiv adamantly refuses.

Expectations hover low given previous dialogue failures and Russia's unyielding stance, as the Geneva meeting marks significant anniversaries of the war's grim toll on Ukraine's cities and people. The talks come with hopes of substantive progress, yet discrepancies and accusations mar the path to a consensus.

(With inputs from agencies.)